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Duane Smith is NAMIC's Professional Farm Mutual Manager of the Year

WASHINGTON (Sept. 20, 2004)--Duane Smith, PFMM, secretary/manager of Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Johnson and Shelby Counties, Franklin, Ind., was the recipient NAMIC's 2004 Professional Farm Mutual Manager (PFMM) of the Year.

He was recognized during NAMIC's Farm Mutual Conference business meeting during NAMIC's 109th Annual Convention at the Hilton Washington, here today.

Smith was chosen for his involvement in the insurance industry, excellence in managing his company, innovation, fiscal responsibility and inspiration as a mentor to others.

Steve Crawford, senior vice president of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance, said, "I have watched Duane transform Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Johnson and Shelby Counties from a quiet little company into a progressive, forward looking organization that is well positioned to succeed in the 21st Century. He is well respected by everyone who works with him."

Crawford said Smith has also worked tirelessly to improve both the state and national mutual insurance industries. As president of the Mutual Insurance Companies Association of Indiana (MICAI), he succeeded in pushing through new farm mutual legislation that had not been updated in nearly 100 years."

He has also served as the chair of the NAMIC Farm Conference and as a member of the Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Executive Advisory Council.

Smith's professional honors and designations include receiving the 2002 NAMIC Service Award and the 2001 Kiwanis Rural Adult Life Award. He qualified for the NAMIC Professional Farm Mutual Manager (PFMM) designation and was presented the NAMIC Merit Award in 1998.

Susan M Andrews, APR, executive vice president of MICAI, said, "Duane has held every office in MICAI. He first joined our board in December of 1993, and then became treasurer in December of 1996. In 1997, he was elected vice-president and then was elected president for two years in 1999. He still remains on our board and is our NAMIC representative until his term expires in December 2005."

Smith has also chaired MICAI's budget, nominating, and meeting planning committees. He has also been a member of MICAI's Sherlock Award Committee and is its chairman this year. The Sherlock Award is an annual award MICAI recognizing and individual who has performed outstanding service in the areas of fighting insurance fraud or arson, or furthering loss control.

Smith was also a member of MICAI's Farm Mutual Law Review Task Force, which, with NAMIC's help, wrote and passed a new statute to govern Indiana farm mutual companies.

"Merely outlining Duane's service doesn't give you an adequate idea of the man," Crawford said. "He volunteers countless hours in his community. He is a loving family man. His integrity and honor are without question, and his word is his commitment."

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For further information contact:
Robert Detlefsen at rdetlefsen@namic.org
or (317) 875-5250